Thanks to everyone who came to Chill with Chappell in Wyandotte Park on Saturday, May 18th. It was great meeting so many new folks and hanging out in our awesome park. I also want to thank Director Price from Codes & Regulations for attending and sharing more about what his department is up to. 

Today (6/7) at 5 pm was the final day to submit any burning budget comments that you may have. Regularly scheduled budget hearings wrapped up this Wednesday. The Louisville Zoo was our final hearing and they brought a little friend with them to City Hall—Simon the African penguin! 

The Council will vote to adopt the FY 2024-2025 Budget on Thursday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. during the Metro Council meeting. Over the last few days and over the coming weeks, Metro Council will be crunching numbers and adjusting the Mayor's proposed budget to reach our final budget that will be presented on the 20th. I have already submitted my budget priorities, which has an emphasis on capital infrastructure improvement projects (parks, sidewalks, roadways, traffic calming, etc.), extending resources for emergency aide, support for our animal care partners and organizations, and investing in youth development. I'm also advocating for funding for projects like Emerson Park Phase 1 and sidewalks along Bluegrass Avenue, and partner organizations like the MUSCL Jim King Senior Center and the Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District. Interestingly, we can fund everything on my ~$8 million wish list with only a 3.2% reduction LMPD's proposed budget. I'm interested to see how it all shakes out! 

A few other things to mention: 

• Iroquois Park has new tennis and pickleball courts! They look amazing and I can't wait to take my paddles up there and play some pickleball!
  
  
• Thanks to a partnership with the District 21 office, my office will be purchasing 10 air conditioning units for low-income individuals for D15 residents. You can find more information here.
  
  
• South Central Park is now Taylor Berry Park. Check out the new signage next time you're in the area!
  
  
• Visit me at the South End Community Market in Iroquois Park on June 22nd! Just look for the D15 table.
  
  
• I chatted with WHAS about the next BOB event and other cool things happening in the District

See ya around D15,

Germantown Schnitzelburg Blues Fest: June 7 & 8

Iroquois Open to Cars: June 8 & 9

The Iroquois scenic overlook is open to cars this weekend: June 8 & 9.

The road to Iroquois Park's North Overlook will be open one weekend a month to vehicular traffic. 🚗🌳

Louisville Parks and Recreation will open the gate to Uppill Road on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month through November 2024 (weather permitting). Gates will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Here's the rest of the 2024 schedule:

🔹 June 8 and 9
🔹 July 13 and 14
🔹 August 10 and 11
🔹 September 14 and 15
🔹 October 12 and 13
🔹 November 9 and 10

More info: https://www.olmstedparks.org/events/iroquois-park-uppill-road-to-north-overlook-opening/

2024 Safe Summer Kick-Off: June 8

All Wool & Yard Wide Beer Garden: June 8

The All Wool & Yard Wide Democratic Club invites you for a family-friendly night of drinks, food, music, and socializing in their beer garden (1328 Hickory Street) on Saturday, June 8th starting at 4 pm. The evening will include music by Tsunami Samurai and Ole Angel Eyes.

Saint Joseph Lemonade in the Park: June 10

With summer in full swing, the Saint Joseph Area Association is inviting you to Lemonade in the Park on Monday, June 10th at 6:30 pm. This will serve as their monthly neighborhood gathering. Bring a neighbor!

Meriwether Fort Hill Neighborhood Association Meeting: June 12

The Meriwether Fort Hill Neighborhood Association invites you to their next meeting on Wednesday, June 12 at 6:30 pm at The Bard (511 E Burnett Ave). Bring a friend! 

Faith in the Future: A Community Conversation: June 11

On June 11, 2020, Louisville passed Breonna’s Law — three months after LMPD shot and killed Breonna Taylor. At the time, there was an undeniable sense of urgency in the city, with widespread demands for accountability, equity and justice. But where are we four years later?

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, join an open and honest dialogue between young people, civic leaders and the community at large at the  Spirit Filled New Life Center (4936 Hazelwood Ave.). All in attendance will be invited to weigh in on the state of Louisville today, with an eye toward envisioning a better future. Refreshments will be served at 6 pm and the conversation begins at 6:30 pm.

The following panel will help facilitate the conversation, but everyone in attendance is invited to participate in the conversation:

• Josh Moss (Louisville Magazine)

• Gabrielle Jones (Louisville Public Media)

• Stachelle Bussey (Hope Buss)

• Elliott Kelly Jr. (Fund for the Arts)

• Sarah Kelley (Center for Interfaith Relations)

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/faith-in-the-future-a-community-conversation-tickets-908341402587?aff=oddtdtcreator

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: June 14-23

Dive into the enchanting world of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's timeless classic! "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is presented by ACT Louisville Productions, the creative minds behind "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Sound of Music". The musical masterpiece takes the stage at the iconic Iroquois Amphitheater from June 14th thru the 23rd. Witness the biblical saga of Joseph, a man blessed with prophetic dreams and a magnificent coat of many colors, as he embarks on an epic journey from slavery to grandeur. This musical promises a thrilling mix of song, dance and vibrant storytelling, featuring beloved hits like "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door". Audiences of all ages will be captivated by the spectacular explosion of color, humor, heart and harmony, making it an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Tickets start at just $19. Buy tickets here.

Taylor Berry Anti-Violence Coalition Meeting: June 17

The next Taylor Berry Anti-Violence Coalition meeting will be on Monday, June 17th at 2:00 pm at the South Louisville Community Center (2911 Taylor Blvd). The group will be discussing ways to improve Taylor Berry, including deciding how $15,000 in funds will be spent to curb violence in the neighborhood. All people and ideas are welcome! 

Schnitzelburg Neighborhood Meeting: June 24

The Schnitzelburg Area Community Council (SACC) invites you to their June neighborhood meeting in Emerson Park (1001 Sylvia Street) on Monday, June 24th at 7 pm. Learn more about what's happening in Schnitzelburg and how you can get involved. Bring a friend! Questions? Email sacc@schnitzelburg.org

Friends of Iroquois Park Meeting: June 24

The Friends of Iroquois Park will be meeting on Monday, June 24th at 6:30 pm at the Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn Ave). All are welcome to join in a conversation about making Iroquois Park even better!

BTW, consider becoming a park steward! Park steward volunteers leverage and expand the work Olmsted is able to do. Park stewards are critical in keeping the Olmsted Parks maintained at a higher level. They support our team for healthy parks in removing invasive species, planting trees, monitoring our woodlands, and even work on small construction projects. They are trained, have ownership over their work, and autonomy. Register today!

Wilder Park Neighborhood Meeting: July 2

The Wilder Park Neighborhood Association invites you to their regularly reoccurring neighborhood meeting on July 2nd at 6:30 pm at the Wilder Park Community Center (120 Fairmont Ave). 

Saint Joseph Neighborhood Cleanup: July 6

The Saint Joseph Area Association will be hosting a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, July 6th. Volunteers will meet on Zanzabar’s patio (2100 S. Preston St.) to enjoy coffee from Sunergos, and after collecting bags of trash hang out and enjoy free Craft House Pizza!

World Championship Dainty Contest: July 29

Save the date for the 54th Annual World Championship Dainty Contest on Monday, July 29th on George Hauck Way from 5 pm - 9 pm. The Dainty Fest will also be back this year, kicking off a three-day Dainty weekend on Saturday. More details to come!

South End Community Market: June 22

Starting May 25th and going through October 26th, you can visit Iroquois Park from 8 am to noon to shop for local produce and crafts, enjoy live music, and mingle with your community.

Beechmonth Summer Concert Series: June 7

The first show of the Beechmont Summer Concert Series is Friday, June 7 The music begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Beechmont Gazebo (corner of Southern Pkwy & W Woodlawn Ave). There will be a few picnic tables, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair or a blanket.

Buy Local Fair: June 8

The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) will host the annual Buy Local Fair on Saturday, June 8th from 11 am to 5 pm at a NEW location – Lynn Family Stadium in the Fan Zone. The event will include booths from local retailers, organizations, and artists, as well as music, food and libations, Kidpreneurs, a cooking competition, a kid’s fun zone, and more. Admission is free; onsite stadium parking is $15, a portion of which supports LIBA and the Buy Local cause. For more information, visit keeplouisvilleweird.com/buylocalfair.

Juneteenth Events: June 8-19

Riverview Independence Festival: June 29

You are invited to the annual Riverview Independence Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

The free festival, presented by Brown-Forman, is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. in Riverview Park (8202 Greenwood Road). The event will include live music, kids’ activities, a splash pad, and a variety of food and beverage vendors. The festivities will conclude with a firework display at 10:00 p.m.

Louisville Tree Plan Workshops

Free Pre-K Kentucky Kingdom Passes: Now through June 30

The 2024 FREE Pre-K Season Pass is the perfect fit for any 3- to 5-year-old child! Enjoy a season full of fun at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay in 2024. Simply register your little one online and activate your child's pass in person on any operating day. Parents can join in on the adventure with a season pass, too! Register by June 30th, 2024. Register here.

Lights Out Louisville

The Louisville Audubon Society reminds you that peak spring bird migration occurs March through May. Please consider participating in LIGHTS OUT LOUISVILLE to make your home, neighborhood, and our city more bird-friendly.

Did you know that most birds migrate at night? Over 3.7 million birds flew over Jefferson County on Derby Night last year alone! 

Between 11 pm and 6 am you can:

• Turn off unnecessary lights indoorsUse shades, blinds and curtains to prevent the glare from indoor lights shining through windows
• Turn off unnecessary lights outdoors
• Put necessary lighting on timers or use motion sensors
• Make sure external lighting is down-shielded so light shines where people need it, not upward into the night sky

For more information, visit www.louisvilleaudubon.org.; Questions? Email louisvilleaudubon@gmail.com.

Be SMART for Kids

Rental Registry Rollout

The Department of Codes & Regulations has initiated their new Rental Registry program and your action is required. Property owners must register all their rental units with the city and pay a fee ranging from $25 to $250; failure to register is subject to a fine up to $100 per day per housing unit.

The registry will provide accurate and up-to-date contact information for property owners and management companies to help the city better identify and contact the responsible parties should Code Enforcement Officers find code violations at a rental property. Louisville Metro Government will randomly select properties from the list each year to undergo inspections to ensure the units meet the city code of ordinances.

Registration is available online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/codes-regulations/. Property owners/managers may also apply in person with the Department of Codes & Regulations at 444 S. 5th St., Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40202.

Zoning Matters: Conversations with a City Planner

The Office of Planning’s Library Hours return in 2024! City Planners from Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning will be available to answer questions about zoning (What is zoning? Why does it matter?) and discuss the ongoing LDC Reform project, including Middle Housing. We want to hear about your neighborhood and discuss what the reform means for you!

These conversations are part of the ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) Reform. The LDC Reform is an equity focused approach to revise the LDC consistently with Plan 2040 to allow for increased housing choices and opportunities in new and existing neighborhoods, to create procedures and regulations that are easier to use and increase the quality of life by reducing the concentration of environmental hazards near housing.

• Tuesday, June 18, Shawnee
• Tuesday, July 30, Iroquois
• Tuesday, August 13, South Central Regional
• Tuesday, August 27, Bon Air
• Tuesday, September 10, Newburg
• Tuesday, September 24, Shively

All sessions are from 3 pm to 7 pm.

If you have questions or want to learn more, contact ldcreform@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-5860/(502) 574-8272

Free Radon Test Kits

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is offering free radon test kits while the supply lasts.

Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General’s office estimate radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Since it is difficult to identify any immediate symptoms related to radon exposure, it may take years before health problems appear.

When to test your home's radon levels:

• If it's never been tested or radon levels are unknown
• When preparing to buy or sell
• Before and after any renovations, especially after making any repairs to reduce radon levels
• Before making any lifestyle changes in the home that would cause someone to spend more time in the basement or lower level (like converting a basement to a bedroom).

Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you or your family is at risk of radon exposure.

Click here to request your free test kit or call 502-574-6650.

Contacting Congressman McGarvey's Office for Federal Assistance